GEORGE Osborne vowed to "get Britain building" as he announced support to build 200,000 new homes.

In his penultimate budget before the election, the Chancellor confirmed plans for a new garden city of 15,000 homes in Ebbsfleet, Kent.

He also announced proposals to regenerate the most rundown housing estates across the UK and pledged 11,000 more homes in London's Barking Riverside and more in nearby Brent Cross.

There was no sign that he would reform Stamp Duty for ordinary people but there will be a further tax on homes owned through a company.

Osborne has extended the limit so that residential property worth more than £500,000 - instead of £2million - that is purchased through a corporate envelope will be liable to 15 per cent Stamp Duty from midnight.

The Chancellor also extended the Help to Buy scheme - which offers government-backed loans of up to 20 per cent on new build properties - would be extended until 2020.

Osborne received praise by addressing the national housing shortage but was criticised for failing to tackle strict planning laws which often mean schemes fail to come to fruition.

Local Government Association chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said: "The national housing shortage and lack of jobs for young people are two of the most pressing issues facing the country today. The Chancellor is right to address these in this year's Budget and extra support announced for home buyers and small builders, along with additional funding for apprenticeships, are positive steps.

"Much more can be done to build new homes, create jobs and stimulate the economy if local government's hands were untied by the Chancellor to drive this through at a local level.

"Bringing down spending on benefits through a welfare cap will only be truly effective when government also frees councils to build more social housing."